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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Educational Value

Shows lots of ways to be a positive person in the world, shows path from grade school to college, law school, and career in government. Mentions some prominent lawyers who influenced Harris as role models, including Thurgood Marshall.

Positive Messages

In the Hero Code, kids promise to make people feel special, be someone people can count on, help people be brave, stand up for what's right, be a best friend, be a good teacher, be kind, explore with friends and family, study and work hard, protect people who need it, "make a difference when I can," and "be the very best me I can be!" Kamala's example shows if you study and work hard, you can go far and become a leader.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Every adult in the book is a role model, and kids shown are diverse, positive, enthusiastic. Kamala's parents are from Jamaica and India.

Violence & Scariness

Language

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Superheroes Are Everywhere isby Sen. Kamala Harris, who's running for president of the United States. It's part memoir, part call for kids to recognize the super people in their lives -- parents, grandparents, teachers, friends -- who help, protect, and inspire them. Harris urges kids to be superheroes too, by being kind, brave, and curious, and by treating people fairly, sharing, and lending a hand when people need help. "You're a hero by being the very best YOU."

User Reviews

What's the story?

In SUPERHEROES ARE EVERYWHERE, Sen. Kamala Harris spotlights the people in her life who were superheroes in their own way because, like superheroes in stories, they made her feel special (mom), were people she could count on (sister), made her feel brave (dad), stood up for what's right (grandparents), made her feel safe (friends), helped show her the world and chase her dreams (teachers), were kind (neighbor), helped her explore (aunts and uncles), worked hard (mom, uncle, aunt), protected people (lawyers who were her role models), and made a difference. She ends the book with "The Hero Code," which you can swear to uphold and be a superhero too, by promising "to be the very best me I can be!" The book also includes a timeline of Harris' life from birth to when she was sworn in as a senator in January 2017.

Is it any good?

This encouraging, uplifting book inspires kids to recognize the superheroes all around them and promise to be, like them, brave, kind, helpful, and more. Superheroes Are Everywhere traces Sen. Kamala Harris' life from childhood through college and law school, showing the family members, teachers, and role models who influenced her to "stand up for what's right" and work with others, as a lawyer and senator, to help others.

It's all recalled with a light, kid-friendly touch, with an emphasis on being a positive person in the world -- which makes you super. And Mechal Renee Roe's bright, cheery, cartoon-like illustrations help kids connect with the text.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the examples of superheroes in Superheroes Are Everywhere. Have you ever thought of your teacher or grandma as a superhero? Who else can you think of who's a superhero in your life?

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